As more and more businesses go remote, signing documents digitally is becoming the new normal. Not only is forgoing paper documents good for the environment, it also makes it easier for remote teams in different locations to sign documents. While some people have managed to make basic PDF creators work, most companies realize their limitations and have instead sought out software specifically designed for esignature purposes.
DocuSign is currently one of the leaders in the esignature space, but one of its competitors, PandaDoc, has also gained a lot of traction recently. In this comparison guide, we break down the differences between DocuSign and PandaDoc to help you make a decision between the two services.
PandaDoc vs. DocuSign: Security
The security of your information — and your customers — is of the utmost importance when signing sensitive documents. Both PandaDoc and DocuSign offer various security protocols to keep your documentation safe. That being said, DocuSign does offer an edge in terms of the number of security measures it provides.
PandaDoc is hosted on Amazon’s AWS platform, which provides physical security for the servers. All data is also encrypted with AES-256 and sophisticated encryption keys management. Meanwhile, DocuSign has earned both ISO 27001 and SSAE 16 certifications for its top-notch security protocols. DocuSign will verify the identity of the signer, record all document actions, use tamper seals, and more. It also offers two-factor authentication login which PandaDoc does not.
For most businesses, PandaDoc’s security will be sufficient. However, if you work in a sensitive industry, then your company will appreciate the added protocols offers by DocuSign.
PandaDoc vs. DocuSign: User Focus
Both PandaDoc and DocuSign were developed with slightly different end users in mind. PandaDoc was specifically designed for sales teams, and includes features that will specifically appeal to them, such as dynamic pricing tables and integrations with popular CRM tools.
However, this focus on salespeople means that PandaDoc may not be the best solution for a non-sales team, or a company looking to use one signature tool across many different departments. DocuSign offers a more versatile set of tools and features that are applicable to teams outside of sales.
If you want a sales-specific signature tool, then PandaDoc may be exactly what you’re looking for. But if you need a more flexible software, then consider DocuSign instead.
PandaDoc vs. DocuSign: Features
PandaDoc and DocuSign do overlap on certain features, including pre-designed templates and auto-fill data, but they also have some differences. PandaDoc’s features are reflective of its focus on sales teams and other customer facing departments. For instance, the tool offers a content library that makes it easy to store content you frequently re-use in documents. Users also praise its aesthetically pleasing templates. PandaDoc also offers recipient analysis, so you can see how potential clients engage with different pieces of content and which ones perform better than others.
On the other hand, DocuSign offers more robust options for creating and customizing documents so you can make it contain exactly the fields that you want it to. The DocuSign mobile app is also more powerful than the one offered by PandaDoc, allowing users to upload and edit documents on their smartphones. DocuSign also offers far more native integrations than PandaDoc, making it more likely you will find the one you need with them.
True to their user focus, PandaDoc has more sales-specific features, while DocuSign caters more towards document editing. As always, if you have a specific feature that you need, check both PandaDoc and DocuSign to see if they offer it.
PandaDoc vs. DocuSign: Training and Customer Support
Both PandaDoc and DocuSign offer resources to help clients make the most of their services and troubleshoot any issues that might arise. On the training front, both services offer written and video content to help users teach themselves how to use the signature tools. They also offer live trainings in the form of webinars that you can register for in advance.
PandaDoc’s selection of on-demand training is somewhat limited, especially in comparison to DocuSign University, which features dozens of lessons in multiple languages. If you think your team will need a lot of help getting to know their way the service, then DocuSign might be a better choice.
If you do encounter a problem, both PandaDoc and DocuSign offer a resource center, user forums, and customer support via email and online chat. There is one big difference between the two: PandaDoc doesn’t offer phone support. If this is important to you and your company, then you should choose DocuSign, which does offer customer support over the phone.
How to Choose an Esignature Software
When choosing an esignature software, we recommend considering security first: slick features won’t matter if your sensitive documents are vulnerable to hacking. Once you’ve verified that the service provides satisfactory security, consider what type of work it was designed for and what features it offers. For instance, if you work in HR and need a document signature program for employee contracts, an esignature tool designed for sales teams might not offer all the features you need.
Finally, consider what type of training and support is offered by the company. Employees and clients used to signing paper documents might need some extra help transitioning to digital signing, not to mention an navigating an unfamiliar software. You need to make sure they can get the information and support they need to sign documents in a timely manner and avoid contract delays.
Need help finding other tools that can help your business get work done faster? Talk with one of our unbiased experts today to get personalized recommendations for your company’s needs.
